Cat Bristle - 15 September 2025

While compiling the Oxford English Dictionary, lexicographer James Murray exchanged hundreds of letters a week with authors, advisors, and volunteer researchers. A new collection online lets you eavesdrop on discussions about which words should be in the dictionary and why — incl ...  Show more

Why do speakers of the same language have different accents? A lively new book called Why We Talk Funny offers a linguist’s look at how and why accents develop. And: If you’ve “stood up” at a wedding, were you supporting the marriage or objecting to it? Plus, a new expression mak ...  Show more

Today's story: Dollar stores started as a novelty, a place where consumers could hunt for amusing bargains. But now, they're a big business. Customers can buy cleaning supplies, hardware, clothes, and some food there, all for rock-bottom prices. But not everyone loves dollar stor ...  Show more

Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Have you ever wondered why the same word can mean something totally different in the US, UK, and Australia? In this fun and fast-paced RealLife English episode, Ethan, Andrea, and Olly explore some of the most comm ...  Show more

Words to Know

Master the American English phrase "sound too hot" in this fun and free ESL podcast lesson! Join Coach Shane to improve your English speaking, listening, and pronunciation with clear explanations and real-life examples. Today's Expression: doesn't sound too hot I'm going to the B ...  Show more